According to the Straits Times , French President Emmanuel Macron gave his strongest warning to date regarding US-EU relations in a joint interview with newspapers from six European countries, including Le Monde and the Financial Times, on Tuesday.
Macron stated bluntly that the Trump administration is taking an "openly anti-European" stance, with the ultimate goal of pushing for the "dismemberment" of the EU. He emphasized, "Faced with clear acts of aggression, I don't think we should kowtow or try to seek reconciliation." He admitted that Europe's diplomatic mediation strategies over the past few months have not been effective.
"Greenland Moment"
Macron cited the controversy surrounding Trump's attempt to gain control of Greenland as an example, defining it as Europe's "Greenland moment" and urging EU leaders not to misinterpret the recent temporary easing of tensions between the US and Europe as a permanent shift in Washington's policy.
In January of this year, Trump announced that starting February 1st, a 10% tariff would be imposed on all goods from eight European countries—Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom—citing these countries' opposition to U.S. control of Greenland. Trump also warned that if a "complete and comprehensive purchase of Greenland" agreement was not reached by June 1st, the tariff would rise to 25%. Furthermore, he threatened to impose a 200% tariff on French wine.
In response to these threats, the leaders of the G8 issued a joint statement warning that the tariff threats "damage transatlantic relations and could trigger a dangerous spiral of deterioration," and declaring that they "will continue to stand united and coordinate their response to defend our sovereignty."
Digital regulation is the next conflict
Macron further warned that the next flashpoint for conflict between the US and Europe will be digital regulation. He stated, "The US, this is certain, will attack us on the issue of digital regulation in the coming months."
These remarks directly target the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) regulations on US tech giants. If the EU persists in enforcing these regulations, Washington may retaliate with a new round of tariffs. Macron described Europe's situation as a "double challenge" from both China and the US, and described it as a breakdown in the situation for Europeans.
This week's EU summit will be a showdown.
Macron's remarks were a prelude to the informal summit of EU leaders to be held on February 12 at Alden Biesen Castle in Belgium. Former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi and former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta will also be present to discuss how to enhance the EU's competitiveness.
Macron proposed three major reform initiatives ahead of the summit:
- To promote the issuance of EU-issued common bonds (eurobonds), enabling the EU to invest on a large scale through joint borrowing and to challenge the international dominance of the US dollar.
- The "Made in Europe" strategy requires that products manufactured in Europe must contain a minimum percentage of locally sourced European ingredients.
- Advocating "protection rather than protectionism, and a European preference," he called on EU partners to increase defense investment with France.
The EU also has trade retaliatory measures.
Faced with Trump's tariff offensive, the EU is not without leverage. Macron has previously urged the EU to use the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), known as the "trade rocket artillery," which can impose sanctions on individuals or entities deemed to have exerted undue pressure on the EU.
In addition, the EU approved retaliatory tariffs last year on approximately €21 billion worth of US goods in response to the US imposing a 25% tariff on EU steel and aluminum products.
